Indian women will be tested in CWG cricket
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Indian women's cricket team
The return of cricket to the Commonwealth Games, to be held from July 28 to August 8, has been received with enormous interest. In a few hours from now, I will hold the opening ceremony of the Games in the busy city of Birmingham, which has been decked up for the quadrennial extravaganza.
Many people, innocent of sport, have been questioning the very purpose of these Games, which originally was known as the Empirical Games. However, it is not as if nation countries under the Commonwealth banner have decided to opt-out. There are problems in hosting the Commonwealth Games as most countries are struggling with finding sponsors and managing overall costs. That is why the Games are returning to Britain from Australia. The next edition, too, will be held in Australia, in 2026.
For those not well versed with cricket in the CWG, it was first held at the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur. Even at that time, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) was skeptical about sending the team to the CWG. The format then was 50 overs, after all that was 24 years ago. It featured men’s teams and not women’s.
Much has changed since then in the world of cricket. T20 cricket, or instant cricket, is the biggest crowd puller now, across the globe. A few hours after the opening ceremony, on Friday, India, and Australia will kick-start the cricket competition at Edgbaston, a famous venue in Warwickshire.
Also Read: Come on India, win the big medals in Birmingham
Can India bring home that elusive gold in cricket?
The CWG cricket competition is just for women, and India will fancy their chances. However, the first match itself, against mighty tough Australia, will not be easy. A few months ago, fans saw how Australia dominated in the ICC Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.
Two Indian legends of the game, Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, both having made immense contributions, retired. However, women’s cricket in India has struggled, more so during the pandemic. It is only now we are hearing about the importance of allowing women from India to also play freely.
The latest news of India being hosts of the women’s World Cup in 2025 is great news. However, in Birmingham, the challenge will be stiff, and winning a medal is not easy at all.
Covid-19 has hit the Indian team as a few players tested positive before the departure. With an effective squad of 13 at their disposal, India will need to produce outstanding cricket to make an impact. One is not sure if after the first two games reinforcements will be sent, so skipper Harmanpreet Kaur will have to show great leadership skills. The two players who were not allowed to leave India as they tested positive are S.Meghana and Pooja Vastrakar.
For those who have followed the exploits of women’s cricket at home, the Indian girls have improved by leaps and bounds in terms of fitness and skills. Measured on the Yo-Yo scale, the Team India girls are fast and lean, and fit. They will need to overcome a lack of big match practice to compete against the sturdier teams.
When Mithali Raj played in the last World Cup (ODI format), she was past prime. Her inability to slog and hit big shots came under the scanner. Today, women’s T20 are also fast and furious. As Harmanpreet will be leading in both T20 and ODI formats, she will realize the load on her shoulders. There is huge pressure of expectation as Indian fans are a passionate lot. The good part is some of the Indian girls have played in the Big Bash in Australia.
Add to it the lure of winning a medal in the CWG, and the challenge intensifies. Today, we have players of the caliber of Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma. The team has to hit the ground running and Edgbaston will be a great venue to come good. The men have played here a few times in the last month, though they lost the crucial Test match.
Australia has a very strong side. They are young and full of energy. Given their rich history, they know competing in England will not be so easy as they are the hosts.
Viewed from a statistical point of view, India did well on the recent tour to Sri Lanka. Despite the chaotic situation in Sri Lanka, were focused and beat the Lankans in ODIs and T20s. The key will be to combine as a team and not focus on individual brilliance.
The ambiance at Edgbaston will be conducive to good cricket where Team India will definitely hope for a lot of cheering from fans, given the large number of desis who live there. Being a Test venue, playing conditions will be ideal. Hopefully, Harmanpreet will be able to motivate a side that has the talent base and skill set.
Also Read: Badminton at the 2022 Commonwealth Games: Who will reign supreme?
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S Kannan
(382 Articles Published)